Cyprus Ratifies EU Treaty

Lawmakers on Cyprus have ratified the European Union treaty, despite opposition from the communist party of President Dimitris Christofias.

The Mediterranean island-nation Thursday became the 20th EU state to ratify the treaty, after 31 lawmakers out of 49 present in Nicosia voted in favor.

The charter is aimed at streamlining EU bureaucracy and making it easier for the European Commission to enact policy.

The Cyprus vote comes less than a month after Irish voters rejected the treaty in a referendum.

All 27 nations must ratify the treaty for it to take effect. Advocates say it remains unclear whether the charter can be salvaged after the Irish defeat.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.